A recent study in Japan shows that for chronic lower back pain, home based exercise programs are more effective than taking NSAIDS, such as Advil and Motrin.
Although the medications might be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation temporarily, they do nothing to help the condition generally, and in fact, actually cause further damage and degenerative changes to cartilage over time with usage.
Exercises, when performed regularly at home, were shown to be more effective in reducing pain and improving core stability. The side effect of exercise, in contrast to the side effects of medicating for pain, is good health.
The key is stick with it. The study was conducted over a one year period of time.
If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, these tips could help:
1) Eat healthy! Avoid fatty foods and foods that are high in refined carbohydrates. Add a multi-vitamin and fish oils to your diet.
2) Visit your chiropractor, and get adjusted regularly. Proper movement and alignment of the spine is essential for good spinal health.
3) Learn some good home exercises, and DO THEM every day. Here is a link for some exercises to get you started: http://eastmesachiropractor.com/index.php?p=97781
4) Get out and into the sun for at least 15 minutes every day to improve your outlook and improve your health.
Lower back pain can be debilitating, but it doesn't have to be! Be proactive, and take the least amount of medications you absolutely have to. Try the steps listed above, and when you find what works, stick with it, making it a part of your life.
Keith Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Goodbye Mark
I have been saddened recently by the news of the passing of an old friend. We grew up together in Phoenix. We attended the same school and played at each others' houses. I moved away from the old neighborhood when I was about 10 years old, and we lost contact. Never the less, he was a significant part of my early childhood, and I will never forget him.
He died last Saturday. It was sudden... from what I have heard. Since we have not been in contact with each other for many years, all of the data that I am receiving is through my parents, who are good friends with his parents. It seems that he was not feeling very well, so his wife encouraged him to make a doctor's appointment, which he did, but he passed away before the appointment. Based on this information, I would venture to guess that he died as a result of a massive heart attack or stroke. Either way, my friend is gone, and I am left with memories of hunting horned toads, football games, and endless cowboy and Indian adventures. It feels somewhat strange to me because he and I are the same age. It saddens me to think that his life is over. 48 years is such a short time.
My friend might have been saved if he had made it to his appointment or to the hospital in time... maybe. About 1/3 of all "first time" heart attacks are fatal. They often are the result of non-symptomatic heart disease that occurs over years. On the one hand, a sudden heart attack is a simple and quick and painless end. We are all mortal, and death is just another door through which we must all pass. I choose to believe that he was taken home to his loving and kind Father in Heaven. On the other hand, Mark's death takes from us a friend, brother, father, and husband. His early passing in life is a true tragedy. We that are left behind are the ones that will mourn.
As I said earlier, I am 48 years old. I am at the age when heart attacks are a significant risk. My friend's death could have been mine. Instead, his passing gives me a renewed sense of opportunity and urgency in my life. You see, as a physician, I am aware of many of the risk factors that can lead to heart disease. I know that a diet full of fried foods, butter, bread, sugar, pastries, candy, ice cream, sodas, red meats, and salt, among other things, will lead to cardiovascular disease. I know that a lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle puts me and everyone else at greater risk. I know that smoking and alcohol consumption greatly increase our risks for heart disease. I know that a Mediterranean style diet, vitamin supplements, and regular exercise can help to prevent cardiovascular disease. I have been blessed with a wonderful education and many years of clinical experience. Please don't misunderstand. I do not imply that Mark lived an unhealthy lifestyle. I don't know if my friend practiced a healthy habits or not. This is one thing that I will never know.
But two very important things that I know is that: 1) My heart aches for Mark and his family, and 2) that in spite of my education and all the information that I have regarding health, diet, and disease, I am just like you. I don't apply my knowledge. At least, I haven't in the past. Sure, I don't smoke and I don't drink, but I also don't eat right. I justify myself by saying that I might as well enjoy my meals. I rationalize that "it will never happen to me." My friend has, in a very real way, just reminded me of the truth. It can happen to me, and if I don't wake up and change my life style, I am placing myself at significant risk. These are the cold and hard facts.
In memory of my friend, I vow to make changes in my own life. I promise to renew my efforts in educating my patients about the real risks that they are taking. I will miss my friend, but to him, I am thankful. Thanks for the fun games, for the play time, and for being part of the "wonder years". Thank you for the very real lesson of life and mortality. I will do better. I owe it to my wife, my kids, my grand-daughter, and my patients. Goodbye Mark. Thanks for the memories.
Keith Biggs, DC
He died last Saturday. It was sudden... from what I have heard. Since we have not been in contact with each other for many years, all of the data that I am receiving is through my parents, who are good friends with his parents. It seems that he was not feeling very well, so his wife encouraged him to make a doctor's appointment, which he did, but he passed away before the appointment. Based on this information, I would venture to guess that he died as a result of a massive heart attack or stroke. Either way, my friend is gone, and I am left with memories of hunting horned toads, football games, and endless cowboy and Indian adventures. It feels somewhat strange to me because he and I are the same age. It saddens me to think that his life is over. 48 years is such a short time.
My friend might have been saved if he had made it to his appointment or to the hospital in time... maybe. About 1/3 of all "first time" heart attacks are fatal. They often are the result of non-symptomatic heart disease that occurs over years. On the one hand, a sudden heart attack is a simple and quick and painless end. We are all mortal, and death is just another door through which we must all pass. I choose to believe that he was taken home to his loving and kind Father in Heaven. On the other hand, Mark's death takes from us a friend, brother, father, and husband. His early passing in life is a true tragedy. We that are left behind are the ones that will mourn.
As I said earlier, I am 48 years old. I am at the age when heart attacks are a significant risk. My friend's death could have been mine. Instead, his passing gives me a renewed sense of opportunity and urgency in my life. You see, as a physician, I am aware of many of the risk factors that can lead to heart disease. I know that a diet full of fried foods, butter, bread, sugar, pastries, candy, ice cream, sodas, red meats, and salt, among other things, will lead to cardiovascular disease. I know that a lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle puts me and everyone else at greater risk. I know that smoking and alcohol consumption greatly increase our risks for heart disease. I know that a Mediterranean style diet, vitamin supplements, and regular exercise can help to prevent cardiovascular disease. I have been blessed with a wonderful education and many years of clinical experience. Please don't misunderstand. I do not imply that Mark lived an unhealthy lifestyle. I don't know if my friend practiced a healthy habits or not. This is one thing that I will never know.
But two very important things that I know is that: 1) My heart aches for Mark and his family, and 2) that in spite of my education and all the information that I have regarding health, diet, and disease, I am just like you. I don't apply my knowledge. At least, I haven't in the past. Sure, I don't smoke and I don't drink, but I also don't eat right. I justify myself by saying that I might as well enjoy my meals. I rationalize that "it will never happen to me." My friend has, in a very real way, just reminded me of the truth. It can happen to me, and if I don't wake up and change my life style, I am placing myself at significant risk. These are the cold and hard facts.
In memory of my friend, I vow to make changes in my own life. I promise to renew my efforts in educating my patients about the real risks that they are taking. I will miss my friend, but to him, I am thankful. Thanks for the fun games, for the play time, and for being part of the "wonder years". Thank you for the very real lesson of life and mortality. I will do better. I owe it to my wife, my kids, my grand-daughter, and my patients. Goodbye Mark. Thanks for the memories.
Keith Biggs, DC
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sugar in Toddler and Baby Foods
Sugar, Ah, Honey Honey... You are my Candy, Girl, and you got me Lovin YOU! (The Archies)
Nice old song... but not the tune you should be singing if you are wanting to raise healthy children. Unfortunately, a recent study in Canada showed that over 50% of foods targeted towards toddlers and babies contained an excessive amount of sugar. "Excessive amounts of sugar" was defined as product or food providing more than 20% of its caloric value from sugar or a sugar variant. According to the the article that I read, 40% of products listed sugar - or some variant, such as corn syrup, cane syrup, brown sugar, or dextrose) - in the first four ingredients on the label. 19% listed sugar (or some variant) as either the 1st or 2nd ingredient.
Increased refined sugar consumption is linked with heart disease, hypoglycemia, adult onset diabetes, and weight problems. Some connect excessive sugar consumption to a reduction in immune responses, candidiasis, bowel problems, hyperactivity disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and many other unhealthy conditions.
What I consider as the biggest crime is the fact that we establish and reinforce unhealthy habits in our young that lead to unhealthy practices as adults. What is the point in adding sugar to infant and toddler foods other than to create a demand and craving in the young child? Developing a craving for sweets in children only leads to high sugar food ingestion by adults.
Parents of children must guard against the urge to purchase food products that sound enticing to them, such as banana cream pie puree, or fruit juices that contain added sugars. READ THE LABEL. There is no need to purchase foods that contain added sugars. Children raised with tastes of healthy foods through their entire lives are more likely to eat healthy as adults. Teaching your children to eat healthy is one of the greatest gifts that you can give them. It will help them to avoid many of the diseases that plague adult Americans.
--
Keith E. Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office: 480-985-3334
Cell: 480-375-0068
Nice old song... but not the tune you should be singing if you are wanting to raise healthy children. Unfortunately, a recent study in Canada showed that over 50% of foods targeted towards toddlers and babies contained an excessive amount of sugar. "Excessive amounts of sugar" was defined as product or food providing more than 20% of its caloric value from sugar or a sugar variant. According to the the article that I read, 40% of products listed sugar - or some variant, such as corn syrup, cane syrup, brown sugar, or dextrose) - in the first four ingredients on the label. 19% listed sugar (or some variant) as either the 1st or 2nd ingredient.
Increased refined sugar consumption is linked with heart disease, hypoglycemia, adult onset diabetes, and weight problems. Some connect excessive sugar consumption to a reduction in immune responses, candidiasis, bowel problems, hyperactivity disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and many other unhealthy conditions.
What I consider as the biggest crime is the fact that we establish and reinforce unhealthy habits in our young that lead to unhealthy practices as adults. What is the point in adding sugar to infant and toddler foods other than to create a demand and craving in the young child? Developing a craving for sweets in children only leads to high sugar food ingestion by adults.
Parents of children must guard against the urge to purchase food products that sound enticing to them, such as banana cream pie puree, or fruit juices that contain added sugars. READ THE LABEL. There is no need to purchase foods that contain added sugars. Children raised with tastes of healthy foods through their entire lives are more likely to eat healthy as adults. Teaching your children to eat healthy is one of the greatest gifts that you can give them. It will help them to avoid many of the diseases that plague adult Americans.
--
Keith E. Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office: 480-985-3334
Cell: 480-375-0068
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Asthma and Kids
I remember long ago hearing the adage that "you are what you eat". Though it is a common phrase, too few of us actually take it to heart.
Another way of looking at it is that if you eat healthy, you are more likely to be healthy. For example.... kids that eat diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables and fish are less likely to develop asthma and wheezing symptoms. Think about it. If we as parents would simply alter our diets and help our children to do the same, we could prevent the development of asthma in those that we love the most, not to mention eliminating the damaging side affects of the long term use of steroids and other pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of SYMPTOMS associated with asthma (medications don't treat asthma. They relieve the symptoms so as to support the unhealthy condition...).
Parents, take a stand! Make a decision to eliminate one unhealthy food today, and replace it with a healthy food choice! Your kids deserve the life of health that you will be giving them. Think of your grand kids. They will also benefit from the good diet habits that you help to instill in your children. If that is not enough, think of yourself. As you help your children to avoid asthma through healthy eating, you will improve the odds of you not dying from heart disease at a premature age!
If your children already suffer from asthma, do not be discouraged. Change their diets right away. Help them to learn to eat healthy. Also, take them to your chiropractor. Adjustments of the mid back and ribs has been shown to open air passageways and to promote a healthy immune system. The Chiropractor will also have additional information regarding potential alternatives to the long term use of medications. Don't wait for the next miracle drug. It will not cure your child's lack of health. Asthma is NOT the result of a drug deficiency, that is for sure.
Sickness and disease is often the result of choices that we make. Choose wisely!
Another way of looking at it is that if you eat healthy, you are more likely to be healthy. For example.... kids that eat diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables and fish are less likely to develop asthma and wheezing symptoms. Think about it. If we as parents would simply alter our diets and help our children to do the same, we could prevent the development of asthma in those that we love the most, not to mention eliminating the damaging side affects of the long term use of steroids and other pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of SYMPTOMS associated with asthma (medications don't treat asthma. They relieve the symptoms so as to support the unhealthy condition...).
Parents, take a stand! Make a decision to eliminate one unhealthy food today, and replace it with a healthy food choice! Your kids deserve the life of health that you will be giving them. Think of your grand kids. They will also benefit from the good diet habits that you help to instill in your children. If that is not enough, think of yourself. As you help your children to avoid asthma through healthy eating, you will improve the odds of you not dying from heart disease at a premature age!
If your children already suffer from asthma, do not be discouraged. Change their diets right away. Help them to learn to eat healthy. Also, take them to your chiropractor. Adjustments of the mid back and ribs has been shown to open air passageways and to promote a healthy immune system. The Chiropractor will also have additional information regarding potential alternatives to the long term use of medications. Don't wait for the next miracle drug. It will not cure your child's lack of health. Asthma is NOT the result of a drug deficiency, that is for sure.
Sickness and disease is often the result of choices that we make. Choose wisely!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
hCG Diet Yields 6 lbs Lost in 5 Days
Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture
Kim has done amazingly well on her hCG diet. She has lost a total of 6 lbs in only 5 days! That is truly amazing. Kim is blogging her experience. She says that the first few days were the most difficult. She says that she doesn't feel hungry, but she did feel a bit tired the first few days. Part of this could be due to the fact that since she likes her coffee with a lot of milk in it, she has chosen to not drink the coffee. She could be experiencing a little bit of caffeine withdrawal.
Another patient in my office came in for her first checkup after one week on the diet. She had lost a total of about 7-10 lbs (depending on which scale you choose to believe) and 5 inches! She was very excited as well.
Kim has done amazingly well on her hCG diet. She has lost a total of 6 lbs in only 5 days! That is truly amazing. Kim is blogging her experience. She says that the first few days were the most difficult. She says that she doesn't feel hungry, but she did feel a bit tired the first few days. Part of this could be due to the fact that since she likes her coffee with a lot of milk in it, she has chosen to not drink the coffee. She could be experiencing a little bit of caffeine withdrawal.
Another patient in my office came in for her first checkup after one week on the diet. She had lost a total of about 7-10 lbs (depending on which scale you choose to believe) and 5 inches! She was very excited as well.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
hCG Weight Loss
I have two patients that just started the hCG diet and each one of them lost three pounds in the first day! I am excited for them. I know that they are working hard at it, but the results will be well worth it.
The hCG diet is the brainchild of Dr. Simeons, a medical doctor from Europe. I have a link of his manuscript entitled "Pounds and Inches", on my website. It is a good read for anyone considering the hCG diet. With the diet, it is not uncommon to loose a pound per day. Considering that we as a society are so over-weight, and that we suffer from many diseases as a result, the hCG diet is a great idea.
Kim is on the diet. She is my receptionist. She is recording her story on her own hCG personal blog. If you need extra inspiration, follow along.
The hCG diet is the brainchild of Dr. Simeons, a medical doctor from Europe. I have a link of his manuscript entitled "Pounds and Inches", on my website. It is a good read for anyone considering the hCG diet. With the diet, it is not uncommon to loose a pound per day. Considering that we as a society are so over-weight, and that we suffer from many diseases as a result, the hCG diet is a great idea.
Kim is on the diet. She is my receptionist. She is recording her story on her own hCG personal blog. If you need extra inspiration, follow along.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Keith Biggs invites you to check out My hCG Journey
I'm following My hCG Journey and think you'll be interested in it as well. To check it out, follow the link below:
http://kims-hcgjourney.blogspot.com/?psinvite=ALRopfXQp0JOqYHD2jgdThHmaUboUUGeL5aRbwK4YA-enYsOb8FKARtMCFh59ft69J_ihnH6BQtvBQmcMxhui_9YlSDE_cIwVw
"Enter a message"
-----
Google Friend Connect helps people with common interests discover interesting sites and interesting people. To learn more, visit http://www.google.com/friendconnect
http://kims-hcgjourney.blogspot.com/?psinvite=ALRopfXQp0JOqYHD2jgdThHmaUboUUGeL5aRbwK4YA-enYsOb8FKARtMCFh59ft69J_ihnH6BQtvBQmcMxhui_9YlSDE_cIwVw
"Enter a message"
-----
Google Friend Connect helps people with common interests discover interesting sites and interesting people. To learn more, visit http://www.google.com/friendconnect
Saturday, May 1, 2010
hCG Dieting
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture of Mesa, AZ
This week we launched a new diet program in my office. This program incooroporates the use of homeopathic dilutions of the Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that is produced by the placenta of pregnant women.
The hormone hCG, when injected or taken orally through homeopathic drops, has the affect of reducing the symptoms associated with dieting, and it increases the mobilization and of fats so that they can be burned off as energy.
The result is that participants can experience significant weight losses within a relatively short period of time. The diet, when in combination with a change in lifestyle, can drastically improve health. My hope is that many that suffer from diseases related to excess of weight will be able to see improvement and a reduction, eventually, of supportive medications. Some conditions that might benefit from a reduction of body fat include diabetes and hypertension. Excess weight also contributes to earlier degenerative changes within body and spinal joints.
Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture of Mesa, AZ
This week we launched a new diet program in my office. This program incooroporates the use of homeopathic dilutions of the Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that is produced by the placenta of pregnant women.
The hormone hCG, when injected or taken orally through homeopathic drops, has the affect of reducing the symptoms associated with dieting, and it increases the mobilization and of fats so that they can be burned off as energy.
The result is that participants can experience significant weight losses within a relatively short period of time. The diet, when in combination with a change in lifestyle, can drastically improve health. My hope is that many that suffer from diseases related to excess of weight will be able to see improvement and a reduction, eventually, of supportive medications. Some conditions that might benefit from a reduction of body fat include diabetes and hypertension. Excess weight also contributes to earlier degenerative changes within body and spinal joints.
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